Giving Thanks for the Simple Things

As we return from the Thanksgiving holiday and rededicate ourselves to school, it is important to remember that in the midst of the current financial turmoil and political change, we have much to be thankful for.  As Albert Einstein said, "A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?"  Having spent a long weekend with family and friends, I would respectfully add these two to Einstein's list.

More and more frequently I meet people who are struggling financially; one of their greatest concerns is providing a bountiful holiday season for their children.  I spoke recently with someone who is on the verge of losing their home, yet their most pressing concern is not being able to purchase the latest game system for their children.  

When I finally had a chance to slow down enough to reflect over the holiday, the word 'simplicity' kept coming to me.  It seemed even more relevant when I read a terrifying national news story about a store employee trampled to death by a crowd of would-be shoppers at a prominent chain store.  Was Black Friday really worth getting up before sunrise to wait in line to save money on disposable electronics?  Was it worth risking life and limb?  How many people woke up early on Friday simply to watch the sun rise?

One of my commitments over the holiday was to an "electronic vacation."  This meant that I did not use email for five consecutive days; I also encouraged teachers to treat themselves to a similar respite.  Admittedly, the first day or so was tough.  I found myself instinctively reaching for my Blackberry whenever there was a lull in conversation or a break in activity.  However, the longer I went without being connected to my digital leash, the more liberating the experience.  I found myself more able to concentrate on conversations around me, more predisposed to just sit, read, or simply reflect.   I will definitely be taking similar tech-free holidays in the near future.

The IB learner profile includes critical thinking as a central component.  According to the IB, "To think critically means students reflecting on, thinking about, and analyzing a text, argument, or opinion so that they do not just accept what is stated but form their own judgement." (Towards a Continuum of International Education, 2008.  http://www.ibo.org)  I often wonder how students (or adults for that matter) are able to truly reflect on an idea or an argument while juggling the myriad interruptions caused by text messaging, mobile email, cell phones, etc.  From my own experience I certainly feel that limiting and controlling these influences will allow me to do my job more effectively without dividing my day into disconnected slivers of time.  It will certainly allow me to be more present with my family.  I know it isn't always easy to disconnect, and I certainly won't be perfect.  I am committing myself to the goal, however, of using technology as a tool for productivity rather than as a means to occupy time.  We'll see how it goes.

So, in conclusion, I urge the AEA community to find value in simplicity, and seek balance between instant information/communication and meaningful human interactions.